Dear Summit School District Community,

Before I share important milestones in our schools, I want to pause and acknowledge the difficult emotions present in our community right now. We’ve heard rumors of ICE operations that have caused fear and uncertainty for children and families. We are grieving alongside our neighbors in Evergreen following another tragic school shooting. While also navigating concern over the rise of violence, the murder of Charlie Kirk, and divisive rhetoric across our nation.

We know that many of our students and families are carrying heavy burdens, and some have made the difficult choice to keep their children home. We honor those decisions. Our staff, who share these worries themselves, continue to show up for students with care and commitment. Together, we must hold fast to our values of belonging, kindness, and respect. SSD schools are places where every child should feel safe and supported. 

Please also know there are resources available:

• Colorado youth 18 and under can call, text, or chat 988 for immediate support.
• IMatterColorado.org provides up to six free counseling sessions.
• Concerns may be shared through Safe2Tell.org
• You may also contact your individual school counselors.

Even as we hold space for these heavy realities, it is also important to recognize the progress and hope within our schools. Our students, families, and staff continue to show resilience and determination, and together we are building momentum. That momentum is reflected in the strides we’ve made in student learning and school performance.

Momentum Matters: Summit Earns Full Accreditation

I am proud to share that Summit School District has achieved Fully Accredited status in the 2025 Preliminary District Performance Framework. With a score of 58.1%, SSD is climbing steadily after three years of focused academic work. Every elementary and middle school in the district is now rated at Performance — the top level a school can achieve

Highlights include:

• Frisco Elementary jumped 21.6 points in one year to 87.0%.
• Summit Cove Elementary grew 17 points to 74.3%.
• Breckenridge Elementary reached 76.7% with strong achievement in reading and math.
• Silverthorne Elementary continued its rise, improving to 62.3%.
• Dillon Valley Elementary is performing at 56.6%, with solid student growth in ELA..
• Summit Middle School gained 11 points to 58.8%, regaining a Performance rating.
   

District-wide, English Language Arts scores are now above the state average, math achievement grew nearly 14 points, the graduation rate stands at 90.3% (above the state’s 84.2%), and dropout rates remain among the lowest in Colorado—including 0% at Snowy Peaks.

Attendance Matters: Gains Across All Schools

Attendance is another bright spot.  Across Colorado, chronic absenteeism rose to 28.4%, but Summit moved in the opposite direction. SSD reduced its chronic absenteeism rate by 6.4 percentage points, building on gains from last year.

• Summit High School dropped from 62.5% in 2023 to 41.9% in 2025—a 20.6-point improvement.
• Summit Middle School fell from 58.6% to 40.3%—an 18.3-point gain.
• Elementary schools also showed progress, with Silverthorne Elementary improving from 53% in 2022 to 29.5% this year, and Breckenridge Elementary down from 36.4% to 13.7%.

This progress is the result of strong partnerships with families, dedicated staff, and our district-wide campaign #AttendTodayAchieveTomorrow, which emphasizes that every day in school is a day filled with opportunity.

Looking Ahead: Trailblazers of Tomorrow

We are proud of this year’s gains, but we know our work continues. We are expanding career and college planning beginning in 5th grade, increasing access to credentials and work-based learning, and investing in rigorous, engaging classrooms. Most importantly, we are deepening our commitment to belonging and safety—because children thrive when they feel seen, supported, and valued.

This year’s results validate the direction we are headed. But beyond scores and numbers, they reflect the strength of a community that believes in its children. Thank you to every student, educator, staff member, and family who has worked to create this momentum. Together, we are building a district where every student can grow, belong, and be prepared for the future.

 
 
 Dr. Tony Byrd
 Superintendent, Summit School District